Audain Art Museum appoints two key staff members

Chief curator and development and marketing manager in place to prepare for fall 2015 opening

Taking shape A model of the Audain Art Museum, now under construction in Whistler. The gallery, which will house works by Emily Carr, E.J. Hughes and others, opens in the fall of 2015. Two key staff members were appointed this week.

The Audain Art Museum is a significant step closer to opening day with the appointment of two key staff members.Darrin Martens is to be the museum's chief curator and Sarah Bainbridge has been appointed development and marketing manager.

Martens is a former director of Nisga'a Museum in northern B.C. and directory/curator of the Burnaby Art Gallery.

Martens said in a release that he looks forward to developing an engaging exhibition program for residents and visitors to the Sea to Sky corridor.

He added: "Building relationships with community stakeholders, including business, artists, collectors and patrons is at the forefront of my mandate. The Audain Art Museum will be a beacon for excellence in the visual arts for all who choose to visit Canada's newest art museum."

Bainbridge has worked in the cultural tourism sector within Canada and abroad. For the past six years she has been the director of development at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler.

The Audain Art Museum, established thanks to donations by collector and philanthropist Michael Audain and his wife Yoshiko Karasawa, is due to open in the fall of 2015.

Soup and support comes from Empty Bowls fundraiser for Food Banks

Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Empty Bowls charity fundraiser at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC).

Sponsored by the Whistler Potter Club, Empty Bowls offers soup made by five of Whistler's top chefs served in a beautiful handmade pottery bowl.

This year's chefs are Richard Johnson from the Whistler Golf Club, Nicholas Cassettari from Alta Bistro, Tory Martindale from the Four Seasons, Bradley Cumming from the Grill and Vine at the Westin, who is preparing two soups, and Dave Li of the SLCC.

Funds raised from the event are donated to the region's food banks. Last year $4,000 was raised.

Along with the soup, diners will feast on bannock supplied by the SLCC.

Tickets for the lunchtime event are $30, with just 130 tickets going on sale. They are selling fast, says organizer Mary Ann Collishaw.

The Whistler Women's Centre is hosting an open mic night for female performers to celebrate International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8, from 8 p.m. at Black's Pub in Whistler.

Women wanting to take part in music, comedy or spoken word performance are welcome.

Musical accompaniment and tech support is available to performers. To sign up or get more information email susanholdenmusic@hotmail.com. Entry by donation and silent auction to benefit the Whistler Women's Centre.

The Expeditioners hold #TheBCProject Instameet

Some of Canada's most famous Instagram photograph and information sharers are coming to Whistler to take part in seven days of adventures and expeditions.

The event, called #TheBCProject is hosted by The Expeditioners, who will lead photo opportunities to Lost Lake, the Ancient Cedar Trail, Upper Joffre Lakes and more.